A method for operating a gate driver system includes measuring a first parameter according to a first priority schedule synchronously to a first edge of a switching signal generated by a gate driver integrated circuit and having a variable duty cycle. The method includes after measuring the first parameter of the gate driver system and prior to a second edge of the switching signal, measuring at least a second parameter of the gate driver system according to a first round-robin schedule synchronously to the first edge of the switching signal.
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2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first priority schedule includes a single measurement slot, and the second priority schedule includes a sequenced plurality of measurements slots.
This invention relates to a system for managing measurement schedules in a communication network, particularly for prioritizing and organizing measurement tasks. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently allocate measurement resources while ensuring critical measurements are prioritized over less urgent ones. The system uses a dual-schedule approach to manage measurements. A first priority schedule is assigned to high-priority measurements, which are time-sensitive and require immediate attention. This schedule includes a single measurement slot, meaning the high-priority measurement is executed as soon as possible without delay. A second priority schedule is used for lower-priority measurements, which are less time-sensitive. This schedule includes a sequenced plurality of measurement slots, meaning the lower-priority measurements are organized in a predefined order and executed sequentially at scheduled times. The dual-schedule system ensures that critical measurements are processed immediately while less urgent measurements are handled in a structured, non-interruptive manner. This approach optimizes resource allocation, reduces processing delays for high-priority tasks, and maintains system efficiency by preventing resource contention between different measurement types. The invention is particularly useful in communication networks where timely and accurate measurements are essential for performance monitoring and troubleshooting.
3. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising, in response to a next transition of the switching signal from the first state to the second state, taking one or more measurements of the gate driver system according to a third priority schedule.
A method for monitoring and measuring a gate driver system in a power conversion circuit involves dynamically adjusting measurement priorities based on the state of a switching signal. The switching signal alternates between a first state, where the gate driver system is inactive, and a second state, where the gate driver system is active. During the first state, measurements of the gate driver system are taken according to a first priority schedule, which prioritizes specific parameters such as voltage levels, current levels, or timing characteristics. When the switching signal transitions to the second state, the method switches to a second priority schedule, which may prioritize different parameters or adjust the frequency of measurements to ensure accurate monitoring during active operation. If the switching signal transitions back to the first state, the method reverts to the first priority schedule. Additionally, in response to a subsequent transition from the first state to the second state, the method takes measurements according to a third priority schedule, which may further refine or optimize the measurement process based on prior data or system conditions. This adaptive approach ensures efficient and accurate monitoring of the gate driver system under varying operational states.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the one or more measurements of the gate driver system taken according to the third priority schedule include one or more higher priority measurements, and the method further comprises, after taking the one or more higher priority measurements according to the third priority schedule, and prior to a next transition of the switching signal from the second state to the first state, taking one or more lower priority measurements of the gate driver system according to a fourth priority schedule.
This invention relates to a method for monitoring and measuring a gate driver system in a power conversion system, particularly focusing on optimizing measurement timing to ensure critical data is captured while minimizing disruptions to system operation. The problem addressed is the need to balance the acquisition of high-priority measurements (e.g., critical fault detection) with lower-priority measurements (e.g., performance monitoring) without compromising system stability or efficiency. The method involves a hierarchical scheduling approach where measurements are taken according to predefined priority schedules. A third priority schedule is used to capture higher-priority measurements, such as those required for immediate fault detection or control adjustments. After these higher-priority measurements are completed, and before the next transition of the switching signal (e.g., from an off state to an on state), the system takes lower-priority measurements according to a fourth priority schedule. This ensures that critical data is prioritized while still allowing for less urgent measurements to be taken in available time slots, improving overall system monitoring without degrading performance. The method dynamically adapts to the switching signal's state to avoid conflicts and ensure timely data acquisition.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the first state is an on-state of a high-power drive device coupled to the gate driver integrated circuit and the second state is an off-state of the high-power drive device.
This invention relates to gate driver integrated circuits used to control high-power drive devices, such as power transistors or switches, in electronic systems. The problem addressed is the need for precise and reliable state transitions in high-power drive devices to ensure efficient and safe operation in applications like motor drives, power converters, and industrial automation. The invention describes a method for managing state transitions in a high-power drive device coupled to a gate driver integrated circuit. The method involves transitioning the high-power drive device between an on-state and an off-state. In the on-state, the device conducts current, allowing power flow, while in the off-state, it blocks current to interrupt power flow. The gate driver integrated circuit controls these transitions by applying appropriate gate signals to the high-power drive device, ensuring rapid and stable switching to minimize power losses and prevent damage. The method may include additional steps such as monitoring the state of the high-power drive device, adjusting gate signals based on feedback, and implementing protective measures to handle faults or abnormal conditions. The invention aims to improve the reliability and efficiency of high-power drive devices by optimizing their state transitions, reducing switching losses, and enhancing system performance.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more higher priority measurements are of a current or a voltage associated with a high-power drive device measured using a terminal of the gate driver integrated circuit.
This invention relates to monitoring high-power drive devices, such as those used in power electronics, where accurate and reliable measurement of electrical parameters like current or voltage is critical for system performance and safety. The challenge is obtaining precise measurements from high-power devices without introducing noise or interference that could degrade system operation. The method involves measuring one or more higher priority electrical parameters, such as current or voltage, associated with a high-power drive device. These measurements are taken using a terminal of a gate driver integrated circuit, which is typically used to control the switching of power transistors. By leveraging the gate driver's terminal for measurement, the system can obtain direct and accurate readings of the high-power device's electrical characteristics. This approach minimizes signal distortion and ensures reliable data acquisition, which is essential for real-time monitoring, fault detection, and control in power electronics applications. The method may also include additional steps such as filtering, amplifying, or processing the measured signals to enhance accuracy and reduce noise. The integration of measurement and control functions within the gate driver circuit simplifies system design and improves overall efficiency.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the switching signal is pulse-width modulated.
A method for controlling a power converter involves generating a switching signal to regulate the output of the converter. The switching signal is pulse-width modulated (PWM), meaning its duty cycle is varied to control the average voltage or current delivered to a load. PWM allows precise regulation of power output by adjusting the ratio of on-time to off-time within a fixed switching period. This technique is commonly used in power electronics to efficiently convert electrical power from one form to another, such as in DC-DC converters, inverters, or motor drives. The PWM signal can be generated by comparing a reference signal with a carrier waveform, such as a sawtooth or triangular wave, to produce a series of pulses with varying widths. The method may also include feedback control to adjust the PWM duty cycle based on output measurements, ensuring stable and accurate power delivery. By using PWM, the method achieves efficient power conversion with minimal energy loss, making it suitable for applications requiring precise control and high efficiency.
12. The gate driver system of claim 10 wherein the first priority schedule includes a single measurement slot, and the second priority schedule includes a sequenced plurality of measurements slots.
The invention relates to a gate driver system designed to manage and prioritize measurement tasks in electronic circuits, particularly for applications requiring precise timing and control, such as power electronics or sensor interfaces. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently scheduling multiple measurement operations while ensuring critical measurements are prioritized and executed without delay. The gate driver system includes a scheduling mechanism that operates using two distinct priority schedules. The first priority schedule is configured to handle a single measurement slot, meaning it dedicates its resources to one high-priority measurement task at a time. This ensures that critical measurements, such as fault detection or real-time monitoring, are processed immediately without interference from lower-priority tasks. The second priority schedule, in contrast, manages a sequenced plurality of measurement slots, allowing multiple measurements to be scheduled and executed in a predefined order. This enables the system to handle routine or less time-sensitive measurements in a structured manner, optimizing resource utilization and reducing processing overhead. By separating high-priority and lower-priority measurements into distinct schedules, the system ensures that critical operations are not delayed by less urgent tasks, improving overall system reliability and performance. The invention is particularly useful in applications where timing accuracy and measurement prioritization are essential, such as in industrial control systems, automotive electronics, or renewable energy management.
13. The gate driver system of claim 10 wherein the controller circuit is further configured, in response to a next transition of the switching signal from the first state to the second state, to cause the integrated circuit to take one or more measurements of the gate driver system according to a third priority schedule.
A gate driver system is used to control power switching devices, such as transistors, in power conversion applications. A key challenge in such systems is efficiently managing diagnostic and monitoring functions while ensuring reliable operation. The system includes a controller circuit that adjusts the timing and priority of diagnostic measurements based on the state of a switching signal. When the switching signal transitions from an active state to an inactive state, the controller performs measurements according to a first priority schedule, which may prioritize critical diagnostics. When the switching signal transitions from the inactive state to the active state, the controller performs measurements according a second priority schedule, which may prioritize different diagnostics relevant to the active state. Additionally, when the switching signal transitions again from the inactive state to the active state, the controller performs measurements according to a third priority schedule, allowing further customization of diagnostic timing and priority. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the system can adapt to different operational states while maintaining efficient and reliable monitoring. The system may include additional components, such as a gate driver circuit, a power switch, and a communication interface, to facilitate control and data exchange. The measurements may include voltage, current, temperature, or other parameters relevant to system performance and reliability.
14. The gate driver system of claim 13 wherein the one or more measurements of the gate driver system taken according to the third priority schedule include one or more higher priority measurements, and the controller circuit is further configured, after the one or more higher priority measurements according to the third priority schedule are taken, and prior to a next transition of the switching signal from the second state to the first state, to cause the integrated circuit to take one or more lower priority measurements of the gate driver system according to a fourth priority schedule.
This invention relates to gate driver systems for power electronics, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently managing multiple measurements of system parameters while ensuring critical data is captured without disrupting normal operation. The system includes a controller circuit that schedules measurements based on priority levels to optimize performance and reliability. The controller implements a third priority schedule to capture higher-priority measurements, such as critical voltage or current readings, during specific operational states. After these higher-priority measurements are completed, and before the next transition of the switching signal, the controller initiates a fourth priority schedule to take lower-priority measurements, such as diagnostic or less time-sensitive data. This hierarchical approach ensures that essential measurements are prioritized while still allowing for comprehensive system monitoring without interfering with the primary switching functions. The system dynamically adjusts measurement timing to maintain accuracy and efficiency, particularly in high-speed switching applications where timing precision is critical. This method improves overall system reliability by preventing measurement conflicts and ensuring that critical data is always captured when needed.
16. The gate driver system of claim 10 wherein the first state is an on-state of a high-power drive device coupled to the gate driver system and the second state is an off-state of the high-power drive device.
This invention relates to gate driver systems for controlling high-power drive devices, such as power transistors or switches, in electronic circuits. The problem addressed is the need for precise and reliable control of these devices to ensure efficient and safe operation in applications like power conversion, motor control, and renewable energy systems. The gate driver system is designed to transition a high-power drive device between an on-state and an off-state. In the on-state, the device conducts current, while in the off-state, it blocks current flow. The system includes a control circuit that generates a drive signal to switch the device between these states. The drive signal is conditioned to ensure fast switching transitions, minimize power loss, and prevent damage from voltage spikes or excessive current. The system may also incorporate protection features, such as overcurrent detection, overvoltage protection, and thermal monitoring, to enhance reliability. Additionally, the gate driver may include isolation mechanisms to protect the control circuitry from high-voltage transients in the power circuit. The invention aims to improve the efficiency, reliability, and performance of high-power drive devices in various industrial and consumer applications.
19. The gate driver system of claim 18 wherein the controller circuit is further configured to adjust a control signal driving the high-power drive device based on digital representations of one or both of the current and the voltage.
A gate driver system for power electronics controls high-power switching devices, such as insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) or metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). The system monitors the current and voltage across the switching device to ensure safe and efficient operation. A controller circuit generates a control signal to drive the high-power switching device, adjusting this signal based on digital representations of the monitored current and voltage. This adjustment helps regulate the switching device's behavior, preventing overcurrent conditions, voltage spikes, or other faults that could damage the system. The digital representations allow for precise control and real-time adjustments, improving reliability and performance. The system may also include feedback mechanisms to further refine the control signal based on additional operational parameters. This approach enhances the robustness of power conversion systems, such as inverters, motor drives, or renewable energy interfaces, by dynamically adapting to varying load conditions and environmental factors. The use of digital signals enables integration with modern control algorithms and communication protocols, facilitating advanced monitoring and diagnostics.
20. The gate driver system of claim 18 wherein the controller circuit is further configured to cause the integrated circuit to measure one or both of the current through the high-power drive device and the voltage across the high-power drive device according to a second priority schedule synchronously to a second edge of the switching signal, the first priority schedule and the first round-robin schedule corresponding to an on-state of the high-power drive device and the second priority schedule and a second round-robin schedule corresponding to an off-state of the high-power drive device, and the controller circuit is further configured to, after measurement of the current and the voltage and prior to a next second edge of the switching signal, to cause the integrated circuit to measure second additional parameters according to the second round-robin schedule responsive to a next second edge of the switching signal.
This invention relates to a gate driver system for high-power drive devices, such as power transistors or switches, used in power electronics. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently monitoring and controlling these devices during their switching states to ensure reliable operation and performance. The gate driver system includes a controller circuit that manages the timing and sequencing of measurements for the high-power drive device. Specifically, the controller is configured to measure current through the device and/or voltage across it according to a priority-based schedule synchronized to the switching signal's edges. The system distinguishes between on-state and off-state operations, using different priority and round-robin schedules for each state. During the on-state, measurements follow a first priority schedule and a first round-robin schedule, while during the off-state, a second priority schedule and a second round-robin schedule are applied. After completing current and voltage measurements before the next switching edge, the controller initiates additional parameter measurements according to the round-robin schedule for the respective state. This structured approach ensures comprehensive monitoring while optimizing measurement efficiency and reducing computational overhead.
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May 1, 2023
March 26, 2024
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